Poet Major Jackson (at podium) was the featured speaker for this year's Tom Dent
Forum. Jackson shared selections from his book of poetry, Leaving Saturn, with over 40 patrons that
gathered in the Main Library auditorium to hear his work. Later, Dr. Laura Tuley (seated left) and Dr. Violet
Bryan (seated center) offered their critical analysis of Jackson's work.

Dr. Laura Tuley (center), Assistant Professor of English at Dillard University, spoke
of the influence of the musician Sun Ra on Jackson's work, which led to her interpretation of the book's title,
Leaving Saturn. Lookin on is Dr. Violet Bryan of Xavier University and the poet himself, Major
Jackson.

An attentive audience listens as poet Major Jackson shares poems from his book
Leaving Saturn. Jackson's poetry brought inner city Philadelphia to life with selections such as "Mr.
Pate's Barbershop" and "Euphoria."

Dr. Violet Bryan shares her interpretation of Major Jackson's work with the
audience as the keynote speaker, Jackson, looks on. Jackson spent a few years in the English department
at Xavier, where Bryant became most familiar with his work.

Following the program, Errin Levingston, library associate, African American
Resource Center and moderator for the program (far left) joins City Librarian Tiana Williams (fourth from left)
in thanking the day's participants, Dr. Laura Tuley, Major Jackson and Dr. Violet Bryan (l-r).

Jackson, who is also a creative writing and English instructor, chats with one of his
former Xavier students following the program.